At Surface Technology, L&R Kältetechnik will be presenting energy-efficient refrigeration systems for cooling electroplating baths - together with three other surface technology specialists. How can electroplating companies respond to constantly rising energy costs - even against the background that the "end of the line" has probably not yet been reached?
Container cooling system for electroplating plants. The refrigeration systems are installed in a containerFromthe point of view of the refrigeration technology experts at L&R, consistent system optimization offers the potential to increase (energy) efficiency in operation and reduce energy consumption. In the case of refrigeration systems for product baths, this measure makes all the more sense as the existing systems were often planned at a time when efficiency was not yet a priority.
Targeted upgrading and modernization, i.e. retrofitting the systems, can achieve sustainable success with manageable resources. The experts from L&R will be informing the operators of electroplating systems about this at the trade fair.
In addition to a technical "upgrade", for example of the pumps and in particular the control system, winter relief (use of the ambient temperature) for recooling can also permanently reduce the energy requirements of the refrigeration system. L&R checks which measures make the most sense during an on-site analysis.
A comparatively simple measure for reducing energy consumption and increasing the performance of the refrigeration system is the chemical-free "basic cleaning" of all system components (pipes, heat exchangers, etc.) in the refrigeration circuit. L&R offers this service, the benefits of which never cease to amaze users, together with cooperation partners.
Naturally, the greatest efficiency gains can be realized by investing in the latest refrigeration technology. At Surface Technology, L&R will be exhibiting an exemplary refrigeration system for product bath cooling, in which various energy-saving technologies are integrated - for example, speed-controlled pumps and compressors as well as a sliding condensation temperature control, i.e. one that is adapted to the outside temperature. These energy-saving technologies can save up to 80 % of the cooling system's drive energy! In addition, subsidies of up to 40 % of the investment sum are possible for these new, energy-efficient cooling systems.
On request, L&R can design the systems with alternative refrigerants as well as natural refrigerants. Propane (R290), for example, is ideal for the temperature range of electroplating applications: It is cost-effective, very efficient refrigeration systems can be planned with it, and the systems can also be subsidized with BAFA funds.
Visitors to Surface Technologies will find L&R on the joint ZVO stand and together with the three partner companies of the HOT network (Hönnetaler Oberflächentechnik), in which four surface technology specialists have joined forces: Balver Zinn (solders, anodes and special wires), Chemische Fabrik Wocklum, (chemicals), Driesch Anlagentechnik GmbH (electroplating systems) and L&R.
www.lr-kaelte.de, Hall 1, Stand D33/01
